Our editors shared their picks of the best-tasting protein powders, no matter if you’re a chocolate or vanilla fan. See the five powders that made the cut.
A quick look at the best-tasting protein powders
Best whey protein powder for peanut butter fans: Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate|Skip to review
Best vanilla whey protein powder: Mindbodygreen Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate+|Skip to review
Best chocolate whey protein powder: Naked Whey Flavored Protein Powder|Skip to review
Best vanilla plant-based protein powder: Ora Organic So Lean & So Clean Plant-Based Superfood Protein|Skip to review
Best chocolate plant-based protein powder: Orgain Simple Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder|Skip to review
Whether you’re looking to ramp up your gym routine or simply fill the gaps in your diet, protein powder can be a helpful ingredient to have on hand.
However, finding a protein powder that tastes good can be challenging, especially if you’re looking to avoid products pumped full of sugar, additives, and artificial ingredients.
Healthline editors shared their picks of the five best-tasting protein powders, all of which passed our dietitian’s review and our rigorous vetting process.
Disclaimer: Some of the products tested belowwere provided for free to Healthline testers. Our opinions are ours alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by the product manufacturers.
A note on price
General price ranges with dollar signs ($–$$$) are indicated below. One dollar sign means the product is one of the least expensive on the list, whereas three dollar signs indicate a higher cost.
Generally, prices range from $1.58–$2.95 per serving or $37.99–$94.99 per container, though this may vary depending on where you shop and the size of the container you purchase.
Pricing guide:
- $= under $1.75 per serving
- $$= $1.75–$2.50 per serving
- $$$= over $2.50 per serving
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Our picks for the best-tasting protein powders
A comparison of the best-tasting protein powders
| Price range | Sweetener | Vegan | Certifications | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transparent Labs Whey Isolate | $$ | stevia | no | • Informed Choice • Informed Protein |
| mindbodygreen grass-fed whey isolate+ | $$$ | monk fruit | no | — |
| Naked Whey | $ | coconut sugar | no | • Informed Choice • certified gluten-free |
| Ora Organics So Lean & So Clean | $$ | • stevia • monk fruit | yes | • USDA organic • certified vegan |
| Orgain Simple Organic Plant-Based Protein | $$$ | coconut sugar | yes | • USDA organic • certified plant-based |
Note: All the options on our list are third-party tested for purity and potency.
How to choose the best protein powder
When picking a protein powder, there are several factors to look for:
- Protein source: The main source of protein is an important consideration, especially if you have any dietary restrictions. While whey is one of the most common protein powder ingredients, you can find products sourced from peas, seeds, or soy, which can be useful if you follow a plant-based or vegan diet.
- Nutritional facts: In addition to the amount of protein found in each serving, look at the calorie and carb content. This is especially important if you’re trying to lose weight or restricting your carb intake as part of a low carb or ketogenic diet.
- Ingredients list: In addition to protein sources, many products include ingredients that may offer other health benefits, including greens, probiotics, digestive enzymes, and healthy fats. However, try to avoid protein powders with a long list of additives, such as artificial colors and preservatives.
- Available flavors: Before choosing a flavor, consider how you plan on using the powder. For example, vanilla or plain tend to be more versatile than stronger flavors like chocolate, matcha, or coffee.
- Texture: Perhaps one of the most important considerations is the texture. While some dissolve easily when stirred or shaken, others require a blender.
- Budget: The number of servings per container varies greatly by product. Thus, when looking at the price of a protein powder, be sure to consider the cost per serving.
- Customer reviews: Reading customer reviews is a great way to obtain valuable insights into the taste and texture of a product.
Finally, many brands also offer sample packs, which allow you to try out different flavors and products before committing to a full-size purchase.
Looking for more protein powder options?
Be sure to check out some of our other protein powder guides:
- Best Protein Powders, According to Dietitians
- Best Pea Protein Powders
- Best Whey Protein Powders
- Best Vegan Protein Powders
- Best Protein Powders for Women
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The bottom line
There are many types of protein powder available to fit nearly any preference or palate.
Each product not only provides a different set of nutrients but also additional ingredients and health benefits.
With a bit of savvy shopping, it’s easy to find a protein powder that tastes great and fits seamlessly into your diet.
